Dylan Cunha is hopeful Step To Glory can reproduce the heroics of Zminiature in the William Hill Bill Turner Memorial EBF Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster.
Zminiature proved a notable success for the South African-born trainer when landing the race in 2024 and followed that up when he finishing strongly to come home third in the Listed National Stakes at Sandown.
Cunha also saddled Kamakameleon in last year’s renewal and he did not disgrace himself as he raced keenly to finish sixth, just two and a quarter lengths behind Norman’s Cay.
Cunha believes Step To Glory is on a par with that pair, but may not be as forward as they were when hitting the racecourse for the first time in what is the first race of the new turf campaign and this year run in honour of the late Bill Turner, who won the Brocklesby six times.
“He’s not as forward as our last two we have run in this, but he’s nice,” said Cunha.
“He’s bit greener, but he’s as nice as the other two. He’s as fast as them, but might not be as mentally switched on.
“The lad who won went on to finish third in the National Stakes and the other was fifth in the Windsor Castle.
“This lad is as nice as them, but he might just need another week or his first run.”
Sure to be popular will be the Amo Racing-owned Blixen Force, a Robson De Aguiar-trained son of Persian Force, the stylish winner for Amo and Richard Hannon of this in 2022.
Also representing the same sire, owner and trainer is Ocean Club, who will be ridden by Kevin Stott, with Rowan Scott aboard Blixen Force.
The aforementioned Hannon runs A Bear Affair and Ralph Beckett has Dance A Jig in the Jeff Smith colours.
